”It’s over!” These are my own words, spoken by my lips, but just thinking them leaves a sour and bitter taste in my mouth. I hold the receiver loosely in one hand, don’t have the power or will to put it back on its cradle. Your voice still rings in my ears. The gentle way you spoke my name; like you had to go and search for it in your heart first before you could pronounce it. You told me how sorry you were that I had to hear the news from my father, before you have had the chance to tell me. I told you that it was alright, and we laughed and joked together, (just like old times) cursing that damn journalist for breaking the news of Savage Garden’s up-coming break-up to the world before we have had the chance to say a word. I laughed and surrounded myself with the sounds of you. Yes, I laughed, but inside I was crying. Not so much because of the break-up; everyone knew that it was very much my idea, but when I heard the words of our separation come from your lips, the reality just came crashing down. The break-up had been my idea. Even before ”Affirmation” was released I told you I didn’t want this anymore. I expected you to throw a tantrum and show me what a diva you can be, but you didn’t, instead in the gentlest way you coaxed me into staying throughout the tour. You said that you needed me on stage beside you, and after all, Savage Garden was Darren & Daniel; you and me… I never could say no to you.. You agreed to do all the interviews and press-conferences. You understood how I hated to be in the public eye, and you protected and sheltered me from the lime-light… I thank you for that. I remember how you sat down with me after my break-down, and told me that you wanted to do what you had to keep me from being unhappy. I know you told this to the press too, but I wonder if you told them about the tears that shone in your eyes as you spoke, and how you took me in your arms afterwards, whispering, your breath hot against my ear, that you still loved me no matter what happened, and how you longed to see my smile again.   Even on stage when I felt so exposed and unprotected, you turned my fears into joy. Never have I been filled with a feeling of so much uncontrolled happiness and completion as in that 1½ hour every night, where we reached our peak together. You said once that I reflected the light. Well, to shine you need a spark and my spark was you. When you think about it, we have always been there for each other when we needed it the most. It’s funny, sometimes I don’t even think we realised it. We just did it because our hearts told us to, because of our love and respect for one another. I guess someone will say that our ”Parallel Lives” are truly parted now, but if you ask me, I’ll say that all roads cross at some point, and when it comes to you, I will take a short-cut… I sighed deeply and close my eyes. For a moment there’s darkness, but then your face appear behind my closed eyelids. Your sapphire-eyes are glowing and you’re looking more beautiful than ever. Your lips are moving, but I can’t hear your words, I realised I don’t need to; I already know where to find my answer. With my palm placed on my chest I reply: ”I’m always here, Darren… and I love you too.. always..” I opened my eyes slowly then, and I feel my lips curl into a smile. And so I sit there.. smiling for you… THE END.

Crossroads By: Sara H.